Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts

Growing up I had a serious obsession with sparkles, sequins, or polka dots…and any dress that had one of those items, and I had to have it. It didn’t matter the color, or the style, I only had eyes for the shine. I would grab any dress that caught my eye and show my Mom who probably thought I would out grow my obsession like most little girls.

Too bad I didn’t. I was what they called a hot mess even before anyone invented the phrase.

That’s me on the left, in that lovely polka dot number. If you notice, it had two rockin’ polka dot prints. A small print and a large print. That’s right, it was a badass dress. Not to mention I had that hot pink corvette to showcase my dress in. I know, you’re jealous.

To be honest, while it was the best pink car on the block for years, it was eventually topped by my baby sister’s pink barbie jeep. Which, by default, is definitely not cooler than a corvette. But the jeep battery eventually broke, and my Dad put a riding lawn mower battery in it instead. That sucker got up to 30 mph!! <–P.S. Yes, I realize how I am fully showcasing my Texas Redneck heritage here.

I would be lying if I said I didn’t have any polka dots in my closet today. I do. I have a lot. 3 of my 4 swimsuits have polka dots. It’s pretty much my signature pattern. But instead of only having it in my clothing, accessories, and amazing shoes…I figured I also needed to find a way to work it into food. And what better way than by using Poppy Seeds?!

I have a huge love for everything lemon, but you add in those darling blue poppy seeds, and I just go crazy. I have been looking for the opportunity to use my mini donut maker again and I think these Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts were the perfect excuse. Of course you can also use a mini donut pan for the oven, or even a large donut pan! Just make sure and double dip your donuts and it won’t matter what size you choose. 😀

Directions:

If using electric donut maker, preheat. If using donut pans, preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease donut pans. In a small bowl, whisk together milk and sour cream. Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In large bowl, or stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar, until light and fluffy - about 1 minute. Add egg, lemon zest, and poppy seeds. Beat for 30 seconds, scrapping down the bowl as needed. Then alternating flour mixture and milk mixture, combine all ingredients until just combined. Do not over mix. Transfer batter into a piping bag, or a ziplock bag with the tip cut off. If using mini donut pans: Fill each donut indention 1/2 full. Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the donuts are slightly browned and spring back when touched. Remove from oven, transfer to a cooling rack, and cool completely. If using the electric donut maker: Fill each donut indention 3/4 full. Bake according to manufactures instructions, or until the donuts are slightly browned and spring back when touched. Remove from oven, transfer to a cooling rack, and cool completely. For the icing: Place wax paper under a wire rack to collect drippings for an easy clean up. In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and powdered sugar until smooth. Dip the top of each donut into the glaze and transfer to a wire rack to dry. Let set for 10 minutes and serve! Will keep for a day or two in an airtight container, but are better fresh!

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100 comments

Thank you for posting the recipe. When I read the post about your adorable cat, I couldn’t find the recipe and I didn’t want to be overbearing and ask about because these magic donuts made your cat feel better!

hey gurrrl, sweet car, can i get a ride? haha, polka dots are fab, i LOVE them 🙂 you’re so cute! these donuts — lemon & poppy seed..a great combo if i ever saw one! so, i’ll trade you chicken pot pie fillings for a couple of these? 😉

oh it’s awesome to know you made these in a babycakes maker! let me tell you that I have the babycakes donut maker, donut hole maker, and real donut pans in both full size and mini size. Needless to say, Ive gone on a serious donut lovi’ bonanza the past few months and i love that this recipe works in the makers!

Do you find that you can use the same recipe in regular ole donut pans vs. the electric makers? I find that sometimes it works, other times not as well…

I TOTALLY had that same car. No joking. That picture just took me waaaaay back. Love these donuts…love them even more after I saw your cat all over them last night. I’m still not over polka dots and sparkles…no shame at all!

I tried this recipe out tonight on my mini donut pan and they were fabulous, I didn’t use poppy seeds tho, I chopped up dried blueberries and they were so good, kind of like the blueberry cake donuts at a donut shop 🙂 Thanks for the recipe.

Cake doughnuts definitely can be deep fried. I don’t know if this particular recipe will work that way, but there are lots of cake doughnut recipes that are fried. If this is a dough that can be rolled and cut, I bet you could fry it. If it’s more of a batter than pours, probably not.

oh my goodness, you were the most badass kid around! Definitely would have tried to be your friend if you lived on my block;) And these yummy doughnuts looks amazing! So glad I just found your blog – I love it!

Hi! I was just wondering, if you dont have a donut pan, would you be able to make doughnut holes with them if you piped them into hot oil? I dont have a doughnut pan, so I was just trying to make do with what I had. Thanks in advance!

I think it would work ok! I can’t be positive since I haven’t tried it myself, but I don’t see why not. Just make sure and keep your oil at an even temp. Hate when the outside cooks to fast and you get undercooked donuts. 😉

Just wanted to thank you for this amazing recipe! I have just (to my utter delight) brought a midi donut pan and these have come out as my first ever attempt at home made donuts a treat! Flesh is soft and surprisingly donuty and with that wonderful lemony kick from the icing. Thanks so much for sharing

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Hey there, I’m Jessica!

I am a trial & error, self taught, sugar addict who thankfully learned how to survive in the kitchen! I am also a wife and mama to twins Ellie & Lyla!